WARNING: Contains graphic images.

Directed by: Xaivia Inniss

Salad bowl or melting pot? However you view America, Ikey won’t budge on his views. The emcee spent 9 years of his teenage life in Nigeria and now resides in Maryland but he fully embraces his African roots. The newest video from him is more of an art piece than anything, going between clips of African leaders like Patrice Lumumba and Fela Kuti, and a dancer who contorts its body that may resemble how some aspects of African culture have been distorted. There is an extended hook in the middle of the song to drive home the point of the former glory and confidence his ancestors walked with.

Ikey had this to say about the video:

“Most of the people in the clips and people I referenced in the song, I felt they represented the essence of the story of the song. ‘When We Were Kings’ is a very descriptive song with deep messages, and I felt the best way to bring the song to life was to use real clips almost in a documentary style to help tell the story.”

His Green Card EP drops later this month on the 31st.

Bryan Hahn wants a Kings jersey now. He’s on Twitter (@notupstate).